I hired Panda the T4 for 7 days at the end of April/start of May 2022 solo with my little cockapoo Poppy. Did part of the NC500, two days on Skye and a day near Mallaig before heading back up to Inverness via Glenfinnan. The van drives really well, is super comfy and has everything you need. Rock and roll bed forms 4th and 5th passenger seat and is super comfy as a bed. Has EHU cable, 2 camp chairs, 2 camp stools, washing up stuff and kitchen equipment. Two ring gas hob and electric water pump with a wee basin and a jerry can to collect dish water in, which is placed under the van and catches the water (can be emptied at campsites). Recommend bringing a funnel to help the water get into the jerry can a bit better! Also had a dust pan and brush which was good for getting sand and dirt out of the van after a busy day exploring. Has front and side window covers and curtains in the back. Curtains are lightly see-through at night if you have the internal light on so watch that when changing into your PJs lol! Also has a Sony bluetooth speaker and charger cables so you can play tunes and charge things via USB in the car charger port.
The pop top is super handy and has windows which are fab to have open at night as you can see the sky and let the morning light in. The two front seats swivel which is also amazing - very spacious! Folding dining table too which provides extra space for preparing food and is good if you have 2+ people in the van. Has everything you need and you can stay off grid for a few days in it as the leisure battery charges as you drive. Great wee fridge which kept everything super cold. Everything I had except my camera charges via USB so you can save money booking non-electric hook ups! The all terrain tyres are great for the bumpy roads and muddy campsites.
I had an amazing week. John showed me how everything worked before we left and checked in to see if all was good after I set off. Also recommended some nice spots! Older van but still going strong and is fab inside, and a great experience.
My only moan is that the kitchen equipment (plates, cutlery, bowls, pots and pans) needed a serious deep clean/scrub as did the box they are kept in. I got my own kitchen equipment in the end as I didn't fancy using it.
Great start location for those wanting to do the NC500, Skye or West Coast. Affordable too especially if you aren't solo.
I would 100% hire Panda again though and highly recommend John and Panda. Easy to book and got deposit back quickly. Just go for it and book Panda - you'll have an amazing trip! :D
Mei 2022